2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Jodie Atkinson is an accomplished individual with a range of expertise. She is a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist®, Speaker, Author, and Entertainer. Her debut book, “Have You Met My Grief?”, not only serves as a written work but has also been transformed into an Award-winning Cabaret show that premiered at the 2023 Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival. Since 1991, Jodie has found her home in Adelaide, where she has raised her family. Following a profound personal loss, she became acutely aware of her own lack of preparedness to handle grief. She felt this was largely due to society’s reluctance to openly discuss the topic of grief. Driven by a deep passion to help others dealing with grief, Jodie wrote a book on the subject. She also pursued certification in the very program that had aided her in navigating her own loss, all with the intention of helping others.
Jodie actively engages in writing and presenting to offer support to those struggling with grief, as well as their families, friends and colleagues. She takes part in speaking engagements for various community groups and takes the lead in facilitating programs and workshops tailored for both individuals and groups, addressing a wide spectrum of losses. With her wealth of knowledge and personal experience, Jodie uses a range of platforms to establish a safe space where the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours accompanying loss are destigmatized. Her primary goal is to promote awareness that healing and recovery from significant loss are not only attainable but also facilitated by proactive steps taken together with time, and in conjunction with a supportive community
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Just because something has always been done a certain way, does not make it right.” Sharon Kay Penman
// Let’s get to know you
I have had many different work roles in my life, and while they are varied – from hospitality to childcare, to Trade Union Organiser to PA for an MP, to building my own health and fitness business to my current role – working with people has been at the center of all of them. I love meeting people, interacting, socializing and find conversation easy with just about anyone.
Then in 2019 my life changed in the most unimaginable way. Having found myself in what I can only describe as a giant hole when my husband died, it just did not feel right to pull myself out of it and walk away knowing others would find their own way into that hole. I wanted to help. I wanted to be there for them. I tried a couple of different types of support but found myself struggling to find something that was helpful and effective. I discovered a program that I describe as life-changing, because if I had not found The Grief Recovery Program, I do not know where I would be. It aligned with my beliefs and values, it aligned with my thoughts and feelings. I wanted to offer that assistance to others who felt like me after the death of my husband, so I became a certified Grief Recovery Specialist.
I am currently performing my cabaret show “Have You Met My Grief?” in the Adelaide Fringe with one more performance on 17 March, and then have some events scheduled in for May and June. I am also looking at creating a podcast and workshops which will be promoted soon.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am passionate about impacting change in the way we engage with people experiencing terminal illness, coming to terms with end-of-life arrangements, loss, grief and bereavement. Loss and grief are part of our human experience, yet so many people are not prepared for how it can show up in our lives, or how to support others going through an emotionally challenging time. I want to empower grieving people to learn how to ask for the support they need and what boundaries to put in place to protect themselves against unsolicited advice. I also want to educate society about more helpful language and ways of supporting those grieving.
I want to continue to do this work through various platforms (book, working with clients, workshops, talks and presentations, keynotes, and cabaret).
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
My goal is to connect with as many people as possible and create a more compassionate and empathetic society where we simply hold space for one another, because there is greater understanding of how grief can impact our lives – our relationships, our emotional, mental and physical health. I have a few events scheduled in and I am excited to be going interstate to share my mission, message and passion. I love networking and enjoy meeting people and collaborating, so I look for opportunities where I can do that.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
Being an SA Woman to Watch in 2024 could allow for more opportunities to reach the people who want and need to be seen, heard, acknowledged and represented. It would be an incredible achievement and privilege. Having this nomination is already an acknowledgement of the valuable contribution I make in the grief and bereavement space, and I am incredibly honoured to be considered.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Through my business coaching and “How To Be A Woman of Influence” course, I have learned the importance and significance of women in business being visible, that they are leaders in their fields that young girls and women entering the workforce can see AND see themselves also in those roles. SA Woman to Watch is a wonderful way to acknowledge the amazing work of women in our community that may inspire other women.
Get in touch with Jodie:
LinkedIn: Jodie Atkinson
Website: www.jodie-atinkson.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
Follow along on socials! Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
